It drives our success.
Ultimate Medical Academy is committed to cultivating a diverse environment that welcomes and values all backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are vital components of our success because they open our minds to important perspectives. We know our team works best when we can be our authentic, whole selves. It’s important that UMA reflects the amazing diversity of our student population, our communities, and our country. We’re committed to establishing a culture that champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for others because the community we build within can help shape the world that we share.
There is no room for racism or discrimination of any kind at UMA. We value every member of our team – current and past students, alumni, faculty, staff, and employer partners. We embrace diversity, which is our greatest source of strength. At UMA, “We Stand Together”.
UMA’s Inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council Meeting in 2018
In June 2020 – amid the public outcry and civil unrest following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and other African Americans – the D&I Council hosted three sessions where team members could share their experiences and opinions in a confidential open forum. The sessions fostered important, emotional and impassioned responses that made an impact on everyone who attended.
In May 2020, UMA’s own Dr. Jenna Sage led a discussion with team members on how important it is to take care of yourself and pay attention to your mental health. “Self-care is not selfish,” she told team members.
In April 2020, digital marketing expert and diversity and inclusion advocate Frances Donegan-Ryan joined the Diversity & Inclusion Council for its first virtual event. Frances discussed how team members could be better allies and advocates for their co-workers.
In February 2020, the Diversity & Inclusion Council welcomed Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the pioneering Little Rock Nine who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. The Council also held a giveaway where team members were eligible to enter to win a copy of her book, “A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School.”
In June 2019, the Diversity & Inclusion Council invited Ashley Brundage, a transgender woman who is the Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion for PNC Financial Services Group, to advance UMA’s efforts to improve our work environment by educating employees at our four Tampa Bay area locations.
Each year, UMA aims to recognize veterans for their service. In the past two years, UMA has pushed the envelope with internal recognition of veteran staff. In 2019, our veteran employees received “Thank You” packs, including a card signed by President Tom Rametta. Our Veterans Day Ambassadors were also presented with a Veterans Appreciation Ambassador Recognition.
Ultimate Medical Academy’s Diversity & Inclusion Council recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) each year with celebrations that include indelible components of the Latino experience in the U.S. such as food, music and dance!
Employee Resource Groups are voluntary collectives open to all employees that aim to expand awareness, understanding and support of the groups they represent. UMA started its first ERG, the Women’s Information Network (WIN) in 2019with the vision of supporting Diversity & Inclusion initiatives that enhance work experience and culture for women. In July 2020, UMA launched an ERG focused on the Black community, and it is in the process of launching others.
UMA formally recognizes and celebrates a number of events throughout the year in an effort to champion cultures that have profoundly impacted history. These celebrations are instrumental in helping UMA achieve its mission to equip and empower students to excel in healthcare careers.